BINTULU – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg has announced that the shareholder agreement between Bintulu Capital and PMB Aluminium Sdn. Bhd. represents a major step forward for the state’s downstream aluminium industry and its role in the global green energy supply chain.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Imperial Hotel, the Premier said the partnership demonstrates investor confidence in Sarawak’s economic trajectory.
He noted that Sarawak’s economy is projected to grow by 5.2 percent, surpassing the national average, supported by an investment pipeline worth more than RM58 billion across energy, industrial development, digitalisation, and the green transition.
The Premier explained that the agreement is aligned with Sarawak’s Business 2030 strategy, which aims to double the state’s economy to RM282 billion by 2030.
“To deliver this vision, we must continue transforming our economic structure. Sarawak cannot rely solely on exporting raw materials. We must produce high value, technology-driven products for regional and global markets,” he said.
Under the deal, a state-of-the-art aluminium fabrication and extrusion facility will be built in Samalaju. The plant will produce high precision components for the global solar and water welding industries, supported by automation, robotics, and digital quality systems. Abang Johari said the project strengthens Sarawak’s position in the global solar manufacturing chain.
Highlighting Sarawak’s renewable energy advantage, he noted that 70 percent of the state’s electricity is generated from renewable sources.
“If you produce photovoltaic products from Sarawak using green energy, then you have a leverage in the market. We have that niche,” he said.
The Premier added that Sarawak has been recognised internationally as a low-carbon industrial hub, one of only 38 worldwide and the first in Malaysia.
He pointed to ongoing renewable projects, including floating solar developments in Batang Ai, Bakun, Murum, and Baleh, which have attracted interest from global investors, including a Saudi firm linked to NEOM.
Abang Johari also acknowledged the rapid pace of technological change in solar manufacturing, noting the increasing role of AI-based processes.
“Maybe one day you don’t need silicon any more. There will be new technology that can store energy longer than the current three to four hours,” he said.
The Premier reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to building commercially run state-owned enterprises, stressing accountability and performance.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s ambition to become a leading economic force in ASEAN, supported by natural resources, human capital development, and free education for all Sarawakians starting next year.
He further mentioned ongoing collaboration with Korean chip design firm Rebellions, saying, “If we are successful, we can be a player just like NVIDIA.”
Sarawak is also expanding regional power exports, including one gigawatt of green energy to Singapore, alongside supplies to Sabah and Kalimantan. “With this approach, we are going to be a major player in energy green,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki, Sarawak State Secretary, Tan Sri Dato’ Paul Koon Poh Keong, Group CEO of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad, Datu Khaidar Khan bin Asghar Khan, Deputy Chairman of BDA, and Datu Mohamad Yakub bin Kari, General Manager of BDA.
